Charlie Sheen strikes deal

27 September 2011 7:29

Contrite actor Charlie Sheen has struck a deal with the makers of hit TV show Two and a Half Men to drop legal action over his sacking, studio Warners said yesterday.

The terms of the out-of-court deal were not confirmed, but celebrity news website TMZ reported that he would get $25 million (nearly R200 million) almost immediately, and $100 million in profits from syndication over the next seven years.

“Warner Bros Television, Chuck Lorre and Charlie Sheen have resolved their dispute to the parties’ mutual satisfaction,” said a statement by Warner Bros Television.

“The pending lawsuit and arbitration will be dismissed as to all parties. The parties have agreed to maintain confidentiality over the terms of the settlement,” it added.

Sheen was fired from the show – which has been a hit since it was launched in 2003 and has been nominated for numerous awards – after lashing its producer Chuck Lorre in a series of colorful interviews.

The actor, who has a long history of hard partying and scandal, became an Internet sensation as he appeared to be heading for a career meltdown, or “self-inflicted disintegration” as his former employees called it.

In recent weeks he has appeared contrite, notably using an appearance during the Emmys to wish the show’s makers all the best, and even tweeting a photo of him making up with Ashton Kutcher, his successor on the show.